Being that February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, we thought we would bring up the topic of spaying and neutering your dog. Some people (especially men) seem to have a strong opinion about the subject and even Veterinarians don't agree on the exact age a dog should be spayed or neutered.
Spaying involves removing a female dog's reproductive organs so she cannot become pregnant. Neutering is the surgical removal of a male animal's testicles so that he cannot impregnate a female. In most cases the surgery will be performed under general anesthesia so your dog will not experience any pain.
Let's look at the advantages:
Because of its importance to a pet's overall health, many clinics will offer spaying and neutering services at a reduced cost. Additionally, if you adopt a dog, most shelters or rescue centers will perform this service for free. It cost a lot less to spay or neuter a dog than to raise a litter!
When to
Spay/Neuter
There is conflicting research on spaying/neutering dogs at an early age. The
general rule of thumb is to spay females before their "first heat" and males
between 6 -12 months. Older dogs can be spayed or neutered but there is a
slightly greater chance of post-operative complications. The same holds true
for dogs that are severely overweight.
Caring for Your Pet After Surgery. Your veterinarian will provide you with pre-operative and post-operative instructions. Your dog may be uncomfortable after surgery and your vet may prescribe pain medications.
In general:
In the unlikely event that your dog begins to vomit or have diarrhea after surgery, called your vet.
Why do some dog owners not spay or neuter their pets? We hear all kinds of reasons. Some men may get squeamish about "emasculating" their dog ... other owners want their female dogs to experience the "joy of motherhood". We can assure you that your dog's life won't be any less fulfilled as a result of spaying or neutering. The only good reason NOT to spay or neuter is if you professionally practice responsible breeding.